Abstract:This study mainly discusses the influences of time perceptions on cultures between China and the United States, which aims to analyze the differences of time orientation between China and the United States so as to deepen the understanding of time perceptions and make full use of the time and bring more convenience to our daily life. After reviewing the related research achievements, the thesis firstly discusses the theory of time concept. Secondly, the author talks about the performance of differences in time perceptions between two cultures on intercultural communication. Thirdly, the author puts forwards some constructive strategies that are supposed to deal with the questions caused by the different perceptions to improve the effectiveness of intercultural communication. Lastly, the thesis concludes this study by stating that the study of differences of time perceptions between two cultures can help to deal with cultural barriers caused by different time perceptions. Meanwhile, the author points out the demerits of this thesis.

Key words: time perceptions, differences, influences, intercultural communication

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.3

3. Contrasts of Time Perceptions in China and United States8

3.1 Past and Future Time Orientation 

3.2 Monochromic and Polychromic Time System 

3.3 Linear and Circular Time View 

4. Differences in Time Perceptions between China and United States in Intercultural Communication9

4.1 Differences in Terms of Address

4.2 Differences on Attitude towards the Old

4.3 Differences on Time Calculation

4.4 Differences in Other Social Life

5. Avenues of Dealing with Intercultural Problems Caused by Different Time Perceptions between China and United States.11

5.1 Knowing and Understanding 

5.2 Respect and Tolerance 

5.3 Studying and Reference

5.4 Interpretation

6. Conclusion12

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgements14